She'd hire Duquette
I was distressed to read a recent letter to the editor that painted Diane Duquette, the former Kern County library administrator, in a very negative light ("Diane Duquette fiasco swept under the rug," Jan. 22).
As a retired university library administrator myself, I have a pretty good understanding of what makes an effective and efficient librarian. I used Beale Library myself a number of times and found it very well-run; I worked with Diane when Tehachapi was next on the list to get state bond money for a new library (the money that a former supervisor sent to Frazier Park for a library instead), and I found her always to be helpful, honest and ethical -- she helped me get my own paperwork ready for Tehachapi to apply for the bond money.
She frequently had to find ways to keep service to the public at the highest possible level while suffering continual budget cuts. I know from experience that is not easy.
As for her use of a county car for personal trips, I find that very hard to believe. We often discussed library issues as they applied to public and university libraries and always she took the side of staying within legal boundaries.
If I were still in the business of hiring a library administrator, I would hire her in a minute.
B.J. Mitchell
Tehachapi
